Coventry University has unveiled the first full-size vehicle to be modelled in its new state-of-the-art laboratory.

The concept vehicle - a four-wheeled lightweight city taxi - was revealed to the public for the first time yesterday at the official opening of the &#xA3;2million Bugatti Building.

The building houses the university's design and modelling facility, called the Cu-adam lab, which provides a full-size, drive-in 3-D digitising and milling bay together with computer-aided styling studios and a virtual presentation theatre.

The hydrogen-powered fuel cell car, called Microlab, features zero emissions and silent running, to combat the pollutants of exhaust, noise and contribution to greenhouse gases from standard vehicle engines.

The vehicle's development was supported by a DTI Smart Award to Coventry University lecturer John Jostins and his firm, Microcab Industries Ltd.

Mr Jostins has been working closely with Geoff Matthews, the Coventry University Design Institute's principal automotive design consultant.

The Bugatti building has been financed through funds from a trust set up by the family of the legendary Milan-born motor magnate Ettore Bugatti, who died over 100 years ago.

The design laboratory, in Cox Street, will be used by art and design students and the school of engineering, among others.

At the grand opening of the building, vice-chancellor Dr Michael Goldstein said: "This is the first full-size vehicle to be produced in the laboratory here and it marks a splendid celebration of the university's success and the life and works of Ettore Bugatti,.

"This is not just about the opening of a building but it's also a celebration of what's to come and to celebrate future successes from what is to go on in this building.